This photograph just emerged on eBay — and although the seller has correctly identified the star as cornetist Rex Stewart, no other details are forthcoming. I don’t recognize the bassist or the drummer, and don’t feel secure enough about historically placing men’s fashion to say, “Oh, that suit is from 1947 . . . thus this was taken in France.” Rex appears much younger than the lean man we see in THE SOUND OF JAZZ (1957), but that doesn’t help us pinpoint a year in any way.
Do any of my astute readers have suggestions to offer? It’s a fine picture of Rex — looking sideways, as if suspicious, as he often did. Yes, his suit pulls a bit across the front (a tailor could have moved that button) but it’s a good man’s fault). Educated guesses welcome!
